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Zhang Q, Liu Y, Ren L, Li J, Lin W, Lou L, Wang M, Li C, Jiang Y. Proteomic analysis of DEN and CCl 4-induced hepatocellular carcinoma mouse model. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8013. [PMID: 38580754 PMCID: PMC10997670 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58587-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) seriously threatens human health, mostly developed from liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. Since diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced HCC mouse model almost recapitulates the characteristic of HCC with fibrosis and inflammation, it is taken as an essential tool to investigate the pathogenesis of HCC. However, a comprehensive understanding of the protein expression profile of this model is little. In this study, we performed proteomic analysis of this model to elucidate its proteomic characteristics. Compared with normal liver tissues, 432 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in tumor tissues, among which 365 were up-regulated and 67 were down-regulated. Through Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), protein-protein interaction networks (PPI) analysis and Gene-set enrichment analysis (GSEA) analysis of DEPs, we identified two distinguishing features of DEN and CCl4-induced HCC mouse model in protein expression, the upregulation of actin cytoskeleton and branched-chain amino acids metabolic reprogramming. In addition, matching DEPs from the mouse model to homologous proteins in the human HCC cohort revealed that the DEN and CCl4-induced HCC mouse model was relatively similar to the subtype of HCC with poor prognosis. Finally, combining clinical information from the HCC cohort, we screened seven proteins with prognostic significance, SMAD2, PTPN1, PCNA, MTHFD1L, MBOAT7, FABP5, and AGRN. Overall, we provided proteomic data of the DEN and CCl4-induced HCC mouse model and highlighted the important proteins and pathways in it, contributing to the rational application of this model in HCC research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicle Proteomics, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yuhui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicle Proteomics, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Liangliang Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Medicle Proteomics, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Junqing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicle Proteomics, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing, 102206, China
- School of Basic Medical Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Weiran Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Medicle Proteomics, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Lijuan Lou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicle Proteomics, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Minghan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicle Proteomics, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Chaoying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicle Proteomics, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicle Proteomics, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing, 102206, China.
- School of Basic Medical Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
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2
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Cai X, Zha H, Yang Z, Du Y, Dai X, Yang B, Wang J, He Q, Weng Q. Genetic dominance of transforming growth factor-β1 polymorphisms in chronic liver disease. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1058532. [DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1058532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver disease (CLD) is an extremely common clinical condition accompanied by sustained inflammatory response leading to tissue damage. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is known as a master immune regulator in CLDs, but the association between TGF-β1 polymorphisms and CLD risk is controversial and inconclusive, and the genetic dominance of CLDs remains unknown. In this study, the relationship between TGF-β1 polymorphisms and CLD susceptibility is systematically analyzed based on 35 eligible studies. Individuals with the TGF-β1-509 allele (TT or CT) or codon 10 allele (Pro/Pro) show an increased risk of CLDs. Subgroup analyses indicate TGF-β1-509C/T has a significant correlation with cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis C, codon 10 is associated with chronic hepatitis B occurrence, and codon 25 exhibits a relationship with autoimmune hepatitis risk. Missense mutations in G29E, A105S, D191N, and F321L of TGF-β1 are the genetic factors of HCC susceptibility. Furthermore, the TGF-β1 gene expression is significantly elevated in CLD patients, and the TGF-β1 codon 263 is located close to the region where the TGF-β1 dimerization interacts, indicating the TGF-β1 codon 263 variant may affect the secretion of TGF-β1 by altering its dimerization. Together, our findings provide new insights into the immune regulator gene TGF-β1 polymorphisms as susceptibility factors for CLD occurrence and regulators for TGF-β1 expression, which have implications for the regulation of immune factors during CLD development.
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3
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Bévant K, Desoteux M, Abdel Wahab AHA, Abdel Wahab SA, Metwally AM, Coulouarn C. DNA Methylation of TGFβ Target Genes: Epigenetic Control of TGFβ Functional Duality in Liver Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:2207. [PMID: 34571856 PMCID: PMC8468746 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) plays a key role in liver carcinogenesis. However, its action is complex, since TGFβ exhibits tumor-suppressive or oncogenic properties, depending on the tumor stage. At an early stage TGFβ exhibits cytostatic features, but at a later stage it promotes cell growth and metastasis, as a potent inducer of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we evaluated DNA methylation as a possible molecular mechanism switching TGFβ activity toward tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We report that decitabine, a demethylating agent already used in the clinic for the treatment of several cancers, greatly impairs the transcriptional response of SNU449 HCC cells to TGFβ. Importantly, decitabine was shown to induce the expression of EMT-related transcription factors (e.g., SNAI1/2, ZEB1/2). We also report that the promoter of SNAI1 was hypomethylated in poor-prognosis human HCC, i.e., associated with high grade, high AFP level, metastasis and recurrence. Altogether, the data highlight an epigenetic control of several effectors of the TGFβ pathway in human HCC possibly involved in switching its action toward EMT and tumor progression. Thus, we conclude that epidrugs should be carefully evaluated for the treatment of HCC, as they may activate tumor promoting pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Bévant
- Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer Eugène Marquis, Inserm, University of Rennes 1, UMR_S 1242, COSS (Chemistry, Oncogenesis Stress Signaling), 35042 Rennes, France; (K.B.); (M.D.)
| | - Matthis Desoteux
- Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer Eugène Marquis, Inserm, University of Rennes 1, UMR_S 1242, COSS (Chemistry, Oncogenesis Stress Signaling), 35042 Rennes, France; (K.B.); (M.D.)
| | | | - Sabrin A. Abdel Wahab
- Medical Laboratory Department, Students Hospital, Cairo University, Cairo 11796, Egypt;
| | - Ayman Mohamed Metwally
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Applied Health Science Technology, Misr University for Science and Technology (MUST), Al-Motamayez District, 6th of October P.O. Box 77, Egypt
| | - Cédric Coulouarn
- Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer Eugène Marquis, Inserm, University of Rennes 1, UMR_S 1242, COSS (Chemistry, Oncogenesis Stress Signaling), 35042 Rennes, France; (K.B.); (M.D.)
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4
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Davis AM, Rapley A, Dawson CW, Young LS, Morris MA. The EBV-Encoded Oncoprotein, LMP1, Recruits and Transforms Fibroblasts via an ERK-MAPK-Dependent Mechanism. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10080982. [PMID: 34451446 PMCID: PMC8400670 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10080982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), the major oncoprotein encoded by Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), is expressed at widely variable levels in undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) biopsies, fueling intense debate in the field as to the importance of this oncogenic protein in disease pathogenesis. LMP1-positive NPCs are reportedly more aggressive, and in a similar vein, the presence of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) surrounding “nests” of tumour cells in NPC serve as indicators of poor prognosis. However, there is currently no evidence linking LMP1 expression and the presence of CAFs in NPC. In this study, we demonstrate the ability of LMP1 to recruit fibroblasts in vitro in an ERK-MAPK-dependent mechanism, along with enhanced viability, invasiveness and transformation to a myofibroblast-like phenotype. Taken together, these findings support a putative role for LMP1 in recruiting CAFs to the tumour microenvironment in NPC, ultimately contributing to metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Davis
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK; (A.M.D.); (A.R.)
| | - Abigail Rapley
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK; (A.M.D.); (A.R.)
| | - Christopher W Dawson
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 8UW, UK; (C.W.D.); (L.S.Y.)
| | - Lawrence S Young
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 8UW, UK; (C.W.D.); (L.S.Y.)
| | - Mhairi A Morris
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-(0)1509-226345
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5
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Gough NR, Xiang X, Mishra L. TGF-β Signaling in Liver, Pancreas, and Gastrointestinal Diseases and Cancer. Gastroenterology 2021; 161:434-452.e15. [PMID: 33940008 PMCID: PMC8841117 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.04.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Genetic alterations affecting transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling are exceptionally common in diseases and cancers of the gastrointestinal system. As a regulator of tissue renewal, TGF-β signaling and the downstream SMAD-dependent transcriptional events play complex roles in the transition from a noncancerous disease state to cancer in the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and pancreas. Furthermore, this pathway also regulates the stromal cells and the immune system, which may contribute to evasion of the tumors from immune-mediated elimination. Here, we review the involvement of the TGF-β pathway mediated by the transcriptional regulators SMADs in disease progression to cancer in the digestive system. The review integrates human genomic studies with animal models that provide clues toward understanding and managing the complexity of the pathway in disease and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy R. Gough
- The Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research & Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York
| | - Xiyan Xiang
- The Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research & Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York
| | - Lopa Mishra
- The Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research & Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York; Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Surgery, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia.
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6
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Hu B, Ma X, Fu P, Sun Q, Tang W, Sun H, Yang Z, Yu M, Zhou J, Fan J, Xu Y. miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Network and Factors Associated with Prediction of Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. GENOMICS PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2021; 19:913-925. [PMID: 33741523 PMCID: PMC9402792 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify novel gene and miRNA biomarkers of risk and prognostic factors for hepatocarcinogenesis using methods in systems biology. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) were compared between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumour tissue and normal liver tissues in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Subsequently, the prognosis-associated gene co-expression network, mRNA-miRNA, and mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA regulatory networks were constructed to identify biomarkers of risk for HCC through Cox survival analysis. Seven prognosis-associated gene co-expression modules were obtained by analyzing these DEGs. An expression module including 120 genes significantly correlated with HCC patient survival. Combined with patient survival data, several mRNAs and miRNAs, including CHST4, SLC22A8, STC2, hsa-miR-326, and hsa-miR-21 were identified from the network to predict HCC patient prognosis. Clinical significance was investigated using tissue microarray analysis of samples from 258 patients with HCC. Functional annotation of hsa-miR-326 and hsa-miR-21-5p indicated specific associations with several cancer-related pathways. The present study provides a bioinformatics method for biomarker screening, which led to the identification of an integrated mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA regulatory network and their co-expression in relation to predicting HCC patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Hu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaolu Ma
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Peiyao Fu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qiman Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Weiguo Tang
- Institute of Fudan-Minhang Academic Health System, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201199, China
| | - Haixiang Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhangfu Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Mincheng Yu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jia Fan
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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7
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Gong Y, Yang Y. Activation of Nrf2/AREs-mediated antioxidant signalling, and suppression of profibrotic TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway: a promising therapeutic strategy for hepatic fibrosis - A review. Life Sci 2020; 256:117909. [PMID: 32512009 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a wound-healing response that occurs during chronic liver injury and features by an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Activation of hepatic stellate cell (HSC), the leading effector in HF, is responsible for overproduction of ECM. It has been documented that transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) stimulates superfluous accumulation of ECM and triggers HSCs activation mainly via canonical Smad-dependent pathway. Also, the pro-fibrogenic TGF-β1 is correlated with generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibition of antioxidant mechanisms. Moreover, involvement of oxidative stress (OS) can be clearly elucidated as a fundamental event in liver fibrogenesis. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidant response elements (Nrf2-AREs) pathway, a group of OS-mediated transcription factors with diverse downstream targets, is associated with the induction of diverse detoxifying enzymes and the most pivotal endogenous antioxidative system. More specifically, Nrf2-AREs pathway has recently assigned as a new therapeutic target for cure of HF. The overall goal of this review will focus on recent findings about activation of Nrf2-AREs-mediated antioxidant and suppression of profibrotic TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway in the liver, providing an overview of recent advances in transcriptional repressors that dislocated during HF formation, and highlighting possible novel therapeutic targets for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfang Gong
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China.
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8
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Ding H, Fang M, Gong Y, Li D, Zhang C, Wen G, Wu C, Yang J, Yang Y. Smad3 gene C-terminal phosphorylation site mutation aggravates CCl 4 -induced inflammation in mice. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:7044-7054. [PMID: 32406200 PMCID: PMC7299733 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of C‐terminal phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3C) is down‐regulated with the progression of liver disease. Thus, we hypothesized that pSmad3C expression may be negatively related to liver disease. To develop novel therapeutic strategies, a suitable animal model is required that will allow researchers to study the effect of Smad3 domain‐specific phosphorylation on liver disease progression. The current study aimed to construct a new mouse model with the Smad3 C‐terminal phosphorylation site mutation and to explore the effects of this mutation on CCl4‐induced inflammation. Smad3 C‐terminal phosphorylation site mutant mice were generated using TetraOne™ gene fixed‐point knock‐in technology and embryonic stem cell microinjection. Resulting mice were identified by genotyping, and the effects on inflammation were explored in the presence or absence of CCl4. No homozygous mice were born, indicating that the mutation is embryonic lethal. There was no significant difference in liver phenotype and growth between the wild‐type (WT) and heterozygous (HT) mice in the absence of reagent stimulation. After CCl4‐induced acute and chronic liver damage, liver pathology, serum transaminase (ALT/AST) expression and levels of inflammatory factors (IL‐6/TNF‐α) were more severely altered in HT mice than in WT mice. Furthermore, pSmad3C protein levels were lower in liver tissue from HT mice. These results suggest that Smad3 C‐terminal phosphorylation may have a protective effect during the early stages of liver injury. In summary, we have generated a new animal model that will be a novel tool for future research on the effects of Smad3 domain‐specific phosphorylation on liver disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanyan Ding
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Meng Fang
- Department of Anatomy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yongfang Gong
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Dong Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guanghua Wen
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jingjing Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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9
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Contextual Regulation of TGF-β Signaling in Liver Cancer. Cells 2019; 8:cells8101235. [PMID: 31614569 PMCID: PMC6829617 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is one of the leading causes for cancer-related death worldwide. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a pleiotropic cytokine that signals through membrane receptors and intracellular Smad proteins, which enter the nucleus upon receptor activation and act as transcription factors. TGF-β inhibits liver tumorigenesis in the early stage by inducing cytostasis and apoptosis, but promotes malignant progression in more advanced stages by enhancing cancer cell survival, EMT, migration, invasion and finally metastasis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underpinning the multi-faceted roles of TGF-β in liver cancer has become a persistent pursuit during the last two decades. Contextual regulation fine-tunes the robustness, duration and plasticity of TGF-β signaling, yielding versatile albeit specific responses. This involves multiple feedback and feed-forward regulatory loops and also the interplay between Smad signaling and non-Smad pathways. This review summarizes the known regulatory mechanisms of TGF-β signaling in liver cancer, and how they channel, skew and even switch the actions of TGF-β during cancer progression.
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10
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Casas-Grajales S, Alvarez-Suarez D, Ramos-Tovar E, Dayana Buendía-Montaño L, Reyes-Gordillo K, Camacho J, Tsutsumi V, Lakshman MR, Muriel P. Stevioside inhibits experimental fibrosis by down-regulating profibrotic Smad pathways and blocking hepatic stellate cell activation. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2019; 124:670-680. [PMID: 30561898 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Liver cirrhosis is associated with increased morbidity and mortality with important health and social consequences; however, an effective treatment has not been found yet. Previous reports have shown some beneficial effects of stevioside (SVT) in different diseases, but the ability of SVT to inhibit liver cirrhosis has not been reported. Therefore, we studied the potential of this diterpenoid to inhibit liver cirrhosis induced by thioacetamide, a model that shares many similarities with the human disease, and investigated the possible underlying molecular mechanism using in vivo and in vitro approaches. Cirrhosis was induced in male Wistar rats by chronic thioacetamide administration (200 mg/kg) intraperitoneally three times per week. Rats received saline or SVT (20 mg/kg) two times daily intraperitoneally. In addition, co-cultures were incubated with either lipopolysaccharide or ethanol. Liver fibrosis, hepatic stellate cells activation, metalloproteinases activity, canonical and non-canonical Smads pathway and expression of several profibrogenic genes were evaluated. Thioacetamide activated hepatic stellate cells and distorted the liver parenchyma with the presence of abundant thick bands of collagen. In addition, thioacetamide up-regulated the protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor-β1, metalloproteinases-9,-2 and -13 and overstimulate the canonical and non-canonical Smad pathways. SVT administration inhibited all of these changes. In vitro, SVT inhibited the up-regulation of several genes implicated in cirrhosis when cells were exposed to lipopolysaccharides or ethanol. We conclude that SVT inhibited liver damage by blocking hepatic stellate cells activation, down-regulating canonical and non-canonical profibrotic Smad pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Karina Reyes-Gordillo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine and Health Science, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia.,Lipid Research Laboratory, VA Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Javier Camacho
- Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Víctor Tsutsumi
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Cinvestav-IPN, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - M Raj Lakshman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine and Health Science, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia.,Lipid Research Laboratory, VA Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Pablo Muriel
- Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Mexico City, Mexico
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11
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Huang X, Wang X, Shang J, Zhaang Z, Cui B, Lin Y, Yang Y, Song Y, Yu S, Xia J. Estrogen related receptor alpha triggers the migration and invasion of endometrial cancer cells via up regulation of TGFB1. Cell Adh Migr 2018; 12:538-547. [PMID: 29781387 PMCID: PMC6363028 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2018.1477901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogenic signals have been suggested to be important for the tumorigenesis and progression of endometrial cancer (EC) cells. Our present data showed that estrogen related receptor alpha (ERRα), while not ERRβ or ERRγ, was significantly elevated in EC cells and tissues when compared to their controls. Targeted inhibition of ERRα by siRNA or its inverse agonist XCT-790 can suppress the migration and invasion of EC cells. Both si-ERRα and XCT-790 decreased the expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). ERRα can directly bind with the promoter of TGFB1 and then increase its transcription. Further, ERRα was involved in the positive self-feedback loop of TGF-β in EC cells. Targeted inhibition of ERRα/TGF-β can synergistically suppress the in vitro invasion of EC cells. Collectively, our data suggested that ERRα can trigger the cell migration and invasion via increasing the positive self-feedback regulation of TGF-β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiumin Huang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xuelian Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jing Shang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhiqin Zhaang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Binbin Cui
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yanzhen Lin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Youyi Song
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shengnan Yu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Junjie Xia
- Organ Transplantation Institute, Xiamen University, No. 308, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen City, Fujian Province, China
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12
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Gao SJ, Chen L, Lu W, Zhang L, Wang L, Zhu HH. miR-888 functions as an oncogene and predicts poor prognosis in colorectal cancer. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:9101-9109. [PMID: 29928331 PMCID: PMC6004656 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of tumor formation, progression and metastasis. The present study characterized a novel miRNA (miR)-888, as a potent oncomiR in human colorectal cancer (CRC). The clinicopathological investigation on 126 cases of CRC patients demonstrated that the expression level of miR-888 was significantly upregulated in tumors compared with adjacent healthy tissue, and was associated with tumor stage and histological differentiation. A Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test demonstrated that CRC patients with increased miR-888 expression exhibited a decreased overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) compared with patients with low miR-888 expression. Further univariate and multivariate analyses identified miR-888 as an independent prognostic factor for poor survival outcome in CRC patients. To determine the biological role of miR-888 in human CRC, in vitro Cell Counting kit-8, wound healing and transwell assays were performed and demonstrated that miR-888 contributed greatly to CRC cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis. Furthermore, potential targets of miR-888 were investigated using a luciferase reporter assay, followed by polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. The findings revealed that miR-888 directly bound to the 3′-untranslated region of mothers against decapentaplegic-4 and thus inhibited its expression and promoted the tumor growth factor-1-induced cancer metastasis signaling. The results of the present study identified miR-888 as an oncogenic miRNA in CRC and provide a foundation for promising research in the future regarding this predictive and prognostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Jun Gao
- Digestive Department of Subei People's Hospital, Clinical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, P.R. China
| | - Lei Chen
- Digestive Department of Subei People's Hospital, Clinical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, P.R. China
| | - Wei Lu
- Digestive Department of Subei People's Hospital, Clinical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, P.R. China
| | - Li Zhang
- Digestive Department of Subei People's Hospital, Clinical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, P.R. China
| | - Lu Wang
- Digestive Department of Subei People's Hospital, Clinical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, P.R. China
| | - Hai-Hang Zhu
- Digestive Department of Subei People's Hospital, Clinical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, P.R. China
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Chruścik A, Gopalan V, Lam AKY. The clinical and biological roles of transforming growth factor beta in colon cancer stem cells: A systematic review. Eur J Cell Biol 2017; 97:15-22. [PMID: 29128131 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a multipurpose cytokine, which plays a role in many cellular functions such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, apoptosis, cell adhesion and regulation of epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Despite many studies having observed the effect that TGF-β plays in colorectal cancer, its role in the colorectal stem cell population has not been widely observed. METHOD This systematic review will analyse the role of TGF-β in the stem cell population of colorectal cancer. RESULTS The effects on the stem cell phenotype are through the downstream proteins involved in activation of the TGF-β pathway. Its involvement in the initiation of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), the effect of colorectal invasion and metastasis regulated through the Smad protein involvement in the EMT, initiation of angiogenesis, promotion of metastasis of colorectal cancer to the liver and its ability to cross-talk with other pathways. CONCLUSION TGF-β is a key player in angiogenesis, tumour growth and metastasis in colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Chruścik
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Vinod Gopalan
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Alfred King-Yin Lam
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.
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14
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Yu YX, Xiu YL, Chen X, Li YL. Transforming Growth Factor-beta 1 Involved in the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis through Regulating Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor under Hypoxia. Chin Med J (Engl) 2017; 130:950-956. [PMID: 28397725 PMCID: PMC5407042 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.204112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Endometriosis (EMs) is a common gynecological disorder characterized by endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. Hypoxia induces the expression of many important downstream genes to regulate the implantation, survival, and maintenance of ectopic endometriotic lesions. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) plays a major role in the etiology of EMs. We aimed to determine whether TGF-β1 affects EMs development and progression and its related mechanisms in hypoxic conditions. Methods: Endometrial tissue was obtained from women with or without EMs undergoing surgery from October, 2015 to October, 2016. Endometrial cells were cultured and then exposed to hypoxia and TGF-β1 or TGF-β1 inhibitors. The messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression levels of TGF-β1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were measured. A Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay was used to examine the effect of TGF-β1 and hypoxia on a VEGF promoter construct. Student's t-test was performed for comparison among groups (one-sided or two-sided) and a value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: TGF-β1, VEGF, HIF-1α mRNA, and protein expression were significantly higher in EMs tissue than that in normal endometrial tissue (t = 2.16, P = 0.042). EMs primary cultured cells exposed to hypoxia expressed 43.8% higher VEGF mRNA and protein (t = 6.84, P = 0.023). VEGF mRNA levels increased 12.5% in response to TGF-β, whereas the combined treatment of hypoxia/TGF-β1 resulted in a much higher production (87.5% increases) of VEGF. The luciferase activity of the VEGF promoter construct was increased in the presence of either TGF-β1 (2.6-fold, t = 6.08, P = 0.032) or hypoxia (11.2-fold, t = 32.70, P < 0.001), whereas the simultaneous presence of both stimuli resulted in a significant cooperative effect (18.5-fold, t = 33.50, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The data support the hypothesis that TGF-β1 is involved in the pathogenesis of EMs through regulating VEGF expression. An additive effect of TGF-β1 and hypoxia is taking place at the transcriptional level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Xin Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital and Chinese People's Liberation Army Medical School, Beijing 100853; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese People's Liberation Army 202 Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning 110821, China
| | - Yin-Ling Xiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese People's Liberation Army 202 Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning 110821, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese People's Liberation Army 202 Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning 110821, China
| | - Ya-Li Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital and Chinese People's Liberation Army Medical School, Beijing 100853, China
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15
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Abstract
Liver-related morbidity and mortality is expanding in people living with HIV. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the third most lethal malignancy on a global scale, is a dominant complication of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis in patients with coexisting hepatitis. HIV infection further complicates the clinical heterogeneity of HCC, posing concurrent challenges stemming from the underlying immunological status of the patients and the ongoing need for combined antiretroviral therapy. In this article, we review the multiple clinical implications that characterize the multidisciplinary management of HCC in the context of HIV infection.
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16
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Han Y, Yue L, Wei M, Ren X, Shao Z, Zhang L, Levine RL, Epling-Burnette PK. Mesenchymal Cell Reprogramming in Experimental MPLW515L Mouse Model of Myelofibrosis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0166014. [PMID: 28135282 PMCID: PMC5279751 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelofibrosis is an indicator of poor prognosis in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), but the precise mechanism(s) contributing to extracellular matrix remodeling and collagen deposition in the bone marrow (BM) niche remains unanswered. In this study, we isolated mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from mice transplanted with wild-type thrombopoietin receptor (MPLWT) and MPLW515L retroviral-transduced bone marrow. Using MSCs derived from MPLW515-transplant recipients, excessive collagen deposition was maintained in the absence of the virus and neoplastic hematopoietic cells suggested that the MSCs were reprogrammed in vivo. TGFβ production by malignant megakaryocytes plays a definitive role promoting myelofibrosis in MPNs. However, TGFβ was equally expressed by MSCs derived from MPLWT and MPLW515L expressing mice and the addition of neutralizing anti-TGFβ antibody only partially reduced collagen secretion in vitro. Interestingly, profibrotic MSCs displayed increased levels of pSmad3 and pSTAT3 suggesting that inflammatory mediators cooperating with the TGFβ-receptor signaling may maintain the aberrant phenotype ex vivo. FGFb is a known suppressor of TGFβ signaling. Reduced collagen deposition by FGFb-treated MSCs derived from MPLW515L mice suggests that the activating pathway is vulnerable to this suppressive mediator. Therefore, our findings have implications for the future investigation of therapies to reverse fibrosis in MPNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Han
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Lanzhu Yue
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Max Wei
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Xiubao Ren
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Zonghong Shao
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Hematopathology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Ross L. Levine
- Leukemia Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York, United States of America
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Niu L, Cui X, Qi Y, Xie D, Wu Q, Chen X, Ge J, Liu Z. Involvement of TGF-β1/Smad3 Signaling in Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156090. [PMID: 27224286 PMCID: PMC4880333 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) is a major factor in pathogenesis of chronic hepatic injury. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a liver toxicant, and CCl4-induced liver injury in mouse is a classical animal model of chemical liver injury. However, it is still unclear whether TGF-β1 is involved in the process of CCl4-induced acute chemical liver injury. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of TGF-β1 and its signaling molecule Smad3 in the acute liver injury induce by CCl4. The results showed that CCl4 induced acute liver injury in mice effectively confirmed by H&E staining of liver tissues, and levels of not only liver injury markers serum ALT and AST, but also serum TGF-β1 were elevated significantly in CCl4-treated mice, compared with the control mice treated with olive oil. Our data further revealed that TGF-β1 levels in hepatic tissue homogenate increased significantly, and type II receptor of TGF-β (TβRII) and signaling molecules Smad2, 3, mRNA expressions and Smad3 and phospho-Smad3 protein levels also increased obviously in livers of CCl4-treated mice. To clarify the effect of the elevated TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling on CCl4-induced acute liver injury, Smad3 in mouse liver was overexpressed in vivo by tail vein injection of Smad3-expressing plasmids. Upon CCl4 treatment, Smad3-overexpressing mice showed more severe liver injury identified by H&E staining of liver tissues and higher serum ALT and AST levels. Simultaneously, we found that Smad3-overexpressing mice treated with CCl4 showed more macrophages and neutrophils infiltration in liver and inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 levels increment in serum when compared with those in control mice treated with CCl4. Moreover, the results showed that the apoptosis of hepatocytes increased significantly, and apoptosis-associated proteins Bax, cytochrome C and the cleaved caspase 3 expressions were up-regulated in CCl4-treated Smad3-overexpressing mice as well. These results suggested that TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling was activated during CCl4-induced acute liver injury in mice, and Smad3 overexpression aggravated acute liver injury by promoting inflammatory cells infiltration, inflammatory cytokines release and hepatocytes apoptosis. In conclusion, the activation of TGF-β signaling contributes to the CCl4-induced acute liver injury. Thus, TGF-β1/Smad3 may serve as a potential target for acute liver injury therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liman Niu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xueling Cui
- Department of Genetics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Qi
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Dongxue Xie
- Department of Genetics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qian Wu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xinxin Chen
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingyan Ge
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- * E-mail: (ZL); (JG)
| | - Zhonghui Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- * E-mail: (ZL); (JG)
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Yasui K, Konishi C, Gen Y, Endo M, Dohi O, Tomie A, Kitaichi T, Yamada N, Iwai N, Nishikawa T, Yamaguchi K, Moriguchi M, Sumida Y, Mitsuyoshi H, Tanaka S, Arii S, Itoh Y. EVI1, a target gene for amplification at 3q26, antagonizes transforming growth factor-β-mediated growth inhibition in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2015; 106:929-37. [PMID: 25959919 PMCID: PMC4520646 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
EVI1 (ecotropic viral integration site 1) is one of the most aggressive oncogenes associated with myeloid leukemia. We investigated DNA copy number aberrations in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines using a high-density oligonucleotide microarray. We found that a novel amplification at the chromosomal region 3q26 occurs in the HCC cell line JHH-1, and that MECOM (MDS1 and EVI1 complex locus), which lies within the 3q26 region, was amplified. Quantitative PCR analysis of the three transcripts transcribed from MECOM indicated that only EVI1, but not the fusion transcript MDS1-EVI1 or MDS1, was overexpressed in JHH-1 cells and was significantly upregulated in 22 (61%) of 36 primary HCC tumors when compared with their non-tumorous counterparts. A copy number gain of EVI1 was observed in 24 (36%) of 66 primary HCC tumors. High EVI1 expression was significantly associated with larger tumor size and higher level of des-γ-carboxy prothrombin, a tumor marker for HCC. Knockdown of EVI1 resulted in increased induction of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p15(INK) (4B) by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and decreased expression of c-Myc, cyclin D1, and phosphorylated Rb in TGF-β-treated cells. Consequently, knockdown of EVI1 led to reduced DNA synthesis and cell viability. Collectively, our results suggest that EVI1 is a probable target gene that acts as a driving force for the amplification at 3q26 in HCC and that the oncoprotein EVI1 antagonizes TGF-β-mediated growth inhibition of HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohichiroh Yasui
- Department of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Chika Konishi
- Department of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Gen
- Department of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mio Endo
- Department of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Osamu Dohi
- Department of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akira Tomie
- Department of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomoko Kitaichi
- Department of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Nobuhisa Yamada
- Department of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Naoto Iwai
- Department of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Taichiro Nishikawa
- Department of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kanji Yamaguchi
- Department of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Michihisa Moriguchi
- Department of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshio Sumida
- Department of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hironori Mitsuyoshi
- Department of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shinji Tanaka
- Department of Hepato-Biliary Pancreatic Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Molecular Oncology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeki Arii
- Department of Hepato-Biliary Pancreatic Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.,Hamamatsu Rosai Hospital, Japan Labour Health and Welfare Organization, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Yoshito Itoh
- Department of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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Jiang Y, Wu C, Boye A, Wu J, Wang J, Yang X, Yang Y. MAPK inhibitors modulate Smad2/3/4 complex cyto-nuclear translocation in myofibroblasts via Imp7/8 mediation. Mol Cell Biochem 2015; 406:255-62. [PMID: 25968067 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-015-2443-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway-dependent linker phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and subsequent formation of Smad2/3/4 complex and its nuclear translocation are crucial for dysregulated transforming growth factor beta (TGF)-β/Smad signaling in liver fibrosis. Abrogation of this critical step of TGF-β/Smad signaling leading to liver fibrosis could provide new insights for future therapy, but the mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In pursuit, we investigated the subcellular expression and nuclear trafficking of the rate limiting Smad2/3/4 complex in exogenous TGF-β1-stimulated myofibroblasts (MFBs) using three MAPK-specific inhibitors. Our results showed that exogenous TGF-β1 stimulation of MFBs produced both increased protein expression and nuclear translocation of phosphorylated (p)-Smad2C/L, oncogenic pSmad3L, Smad4, importin7/8 (Imp7/8), and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 (Protein and mRNA), while decreased Smad7 protein expression. However, the MAPK-specific inhibitors differentially reversed these observations; for instance, ERK-specific inhibitor blocked the expression and nuclear translocation of pSmad2C/L, while both JNK and p38-specific inhibitors blocked the expression and nuclear translocation of pSmad2C/L and oncogenic pSmad3L. The MAPK-specific inhibitors had no significant effect on the total protein expression of Smad4, but rather significantly blocked its nuclear translocation. All the MAPK-specific inhibitors restored Smad7 expression and also decreased Imp7/8 and PAI-1 (Protein and mRNA) expression. Evidently, the MAPK-specific inhibitors blocked Smad2/3/4 complex formation via restoration of inhibitory Smad7 expression and blockade of Smad3L phosphorylation, while they blocked nuclear translocation of Smad2/3/4 complex through inhibition of Imp7/8 leading to decreased PAI-1 (Protein and mRNA) expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute of Natural Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
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20
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El-Haggar SM, Mostafa TM. Comparative clinical study between the effect of fenofibrate alone and its combination with pentoxifylline on biochemical parameters and liver stiffness in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Hepatol Int 2015; 9:471-9. [PMID: 25956613 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-015-9633-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a common health problem associated with increased liver and vascular specific complications. AIM The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the effect of fenofibrate alone or in combination with pentoxifylline on the measured biochemical parameters, inflammatory pathway and liver stiffness in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. METHODS The study design was randomized controlled trial. From July 2013 to June 2014, we recruited 90 non-alcoholic fatty liver patients from the Internal Medicine Department at Tanta University Hospital, Egypt. They were classified randomly into two groups to receive fenofibrate 300 mg daily or fenofibrate 300 mg daily plus pentoxifylline 1200 mg/day in three divided doses for 24 weeks. Fasting blood sample was obtained before and 24 weeks after treatment for biochemical analysis of liver and lipid panels, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, hyaluronic acid, transforming growth factor beta 1, fasting plasma insulin and fasting glucose. Liver stiffness measurement was carried out using fibro-scan. Data were statistically analyzed by paired and unpaired Student's t test. RESULTS The data obtained suggests that adding pentoxifylline to fenofibrate does not provide a beneficial effect on lipid panel, but has a beneficial effect on indirect biochemical markers of hepatic fibrosis, a direct marker linked to matrix deposition (hyaluronic acid), a cytokine/growth factor linked to liver fibrosis (transforming growth factor beta 1), the inflammatory pathway, insulin resistance and liver stiffness as compared to fenofibrate alone. CONCLUSION The combination pentoxifylline plus fenofibrate may represent a new therapeutic strategy for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease as it resulted in more beneficial effects on direct and indirect markers of liver fibrosis, liver stiffness, insulin resistance and inflammatory pathway implicated in NAFLD.
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21
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Reichl P, Dengler M, van Zijl F, Huber H, Führlinger G, Reichel C, Sieghart W, Peck-Radosavljevic M, Grubinger M, Mikulits W. Axl activates autocrine transforming growth factor-β signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2015; 61:930-41. [PMID: 25251599 PMCID: PMC4450343 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic metastasis frequently correlates with epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of malignant hepatocytes. Several mechanisms have been identified to be essentially involved in hepatocellular EMT, among them transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling. Here we show the up-regulation and activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl in EMT-transformed hepatoma cells. Knockdown of Axl expression resulted in abrogation of invasive and transendothelial migratory abilities of mesenchymal HCC cells in vitro and Axl overexpression-induced metastatic colonization of epithelial hepatoma cells in vivo. Importantly, Axl knockdown severely impaired resistance to TGF-β-mediated growth inhibition. Analysis of the Axl interactome revealed binding of Axl to 14-3-3ζ, which is essentially required for Axl-mediated cell invasion, transendothelial migration, and resistance against TGF-β. Axl/14-3-3ζ signaling caused phosphorylation of Smad3 linker region (Smad3L) at Ser213, resulting in the up-regulation of tumor-progressive TGF-β target genes such as PAI1, MMP9, and Snail as well as augmented TGF-β1 secretion in mesenchymal HCC cells. Accordingly, high Axl expression in HCC patient samples correlated with elevated vessel invasion of HCC cells, higher risk of tumor recurrence after liver transplantation, strong phosphorylation of Smad3L, and lower survival. In addition, elevated expression of both Axl and 14-3-3ζ showed strongly reduced survival of HCC patients. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that Axl/14-3-3ζ signaling is central for TGF-β-mediated HCC progression and a promising target for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Reichl
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mirko Dengler
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franziska van Zijl
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heidemarie Huber
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard Führlinger
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Wolfgang Sieghart
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Peck-Radosavljevic
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Grubinger
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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23
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Alcohol induced hepatic degeneration in a hepatitis C virus core protein transgenic mouse model. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:4126-41. [PMID: 24608925 PMCID: PMC3975388 DOI: 10.3390/ijms15034126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Revised: 02/08/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has become a major public health issue. It is prevalent in most countries. HCV infection frequently begins without clinical symptoms, before progressing to persistent viremia, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the majority of patients (70% to 80%). Alcohol is an independent cofactor that accelerates the development of HCC in chronic hepatitis C patients. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate ethanol-induced hepatic changes in HCV core-Tg mice and mutant core Tg mice. Wild type (NTG), core wild-Tg mice (TG-K), mutant core 116-Tg mice (TG-116) and mutant core 99-Tg mice (TG-99) were used in this investigation. All groups were given drinking water with 10% ethanol and 5% sucrose for 13 weeks. To observe liver morphological changes, we performed histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations. Histopathologically, NTG, TG-K and TG-116 mice showed moderate centrilobular necrosis, while severe centrilobular necrosis and hepatocyte dissociation were observed in TG-99 mice with increasing lymphocyte infiltration and piecemeal necrosis. In all groups, a small amount of collagen fiber was found, principally in portal areas. None of the mice were found to have myofibroblasts based on immunohistochemical staining specific for α-SMA. CYP2E1-positive cells were clearly detected in the centrilobular area in all groups. In the TG-99 mice, we also observed cells positive for CK8/18, TGF-β1 and phosphorylated (p)-Smad2/3 and p21 around the necrotic hepatocytes in the centrilobular area (p < 0.01). Based on our data, alcohol intake induced piecemeal necrosis and hepatocyte dissociation in the TG-99 mice. These phenomena involved activation of the TGF-β1/p-Smad2/3/p21 signaling pathway in hepatocytes. Data from this study will be useful for elucidating the association between alcohol intake and HCV infection.
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